Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang, 15 Days

Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang has caught the attention of many adventure lovers around the world as it adds up a unique experience in the only desert area of the Himalayan country. Also known as The Last Forbidden Kingdom, Upper Mustang is one of the favorite trekking destinations in Nepal, though it was accessible only after the year 1992. Horseback Riding Trek to Upper Mustang is also ideal even for those travel enthusiasts who seek adventure despite being unable to walk for long hours on consecutive days. This horseback riding trek is sure to fill the hearts of the travelers with fondness of the landscape and culture of Upper Mustang without having to make the strenuous effort.

Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang offers an alluring panorama of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri (7061m), Saribung (6328m), Manshail (6235m) and other snow-capped mountains. The Horseback Riding Trek to Upper Mustang allows the trekkers to connect with the locals with ease as horses are the most beloved companion of the beautiful Himalayan deserts of Mustang. Horseback Riding Trek to Upper Mustang also features the windy valley of Jomsom which is known all over the country for its famous apple farms and the mouthwatering view of the Himalayas. The trekkers will come across ancient Buddhist monasteries, Chortens, Mani walls, and get to learn about Tibetan culture of the region. The highlight of this trek Lo-Manthang, the ancient walled capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang, is vibrant with the colorful deserts and ancient houses of similar patterns. The trek also reaches Rachung Cave, Ghar Gompa and Dzong Cave where the trekkers can observe the best-preserved form of Tibetan Buddhism. Trekking to the restricted areas of Upper Mustang on a horse's back helps the trekker to understand the way of life in the Himalayas.

Swiss Family Treks and Expedition is one of the thriving travel companies in Nepal. We have well-trained horse man in our team who will be there to guide you throughout your horseback riding trek. Also, we deal with all kinds of necessary permit for your trek. We make sure you are accommodated in the finest hotel, lodges, and home-stays during your trek. We bid on making your trip to Nepal unforgettable and memorable experience once at a lifetime.

Highlights of the Trek:

A challenging trekking through arid desert canyons to the walled city of Lo Manthang,

A pocket of lost Tibet that boasts spectacular ancients Buddhist monasteries such as Ghar Gompa, Jampa Gompa, Namgyal Gompa,

Remote caves shrines such as Chungsi cave, Dzong Cave,

Spectacular views of high Himalayan range,

Scenic mountain flight in and out of Jomsom and Pokhara,

Meeting local Loba people and their traditional Tibetan culture and way of their life,

Passing several Buddhist monuments, explore the formar Himalayan kingdom of Upper Mustang and its beautiful landscapes.

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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
We pick you up at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, and escort you to a hotel in Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Permits procedure and afternoon flight to Pokhara
Today, we get all kind of permits required for our trek. In the afternoon, we fly to the City of Lakes, Pokhara. You can spend the evening walking by the Fewa Lake. Overnight at a hotel in Lakeside, Pokhara.

Day 3: Pokhara to Jomsom by flight and ride & trek to Kagbeni 2800m, 3-4 hours riding
Relishing the stunning view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, we take a 25-minute flight to Jomsom. Upon landing in Jomsom, we meet our team of horses and their horse man and begin our ride to Kagbeni. Riding our horses along the Kali Gandaki River, we pass beautiful Ekleybatti village with small houses and old fortresses and reach Kagbeni after 4 hours of riding. Overnight at a lodge in Kagbeni.

Day 4: Ride & trek from Kagbeni to Tsaile 3100m, 5-6 hours riding
Registering our permit in check point, we ride our horses along the bank of Kali Gandaki River and reach Tangbe village. We ride along a couple of Buddhist monasteries and Chortens before we enter Chhusang village. We then ride on rocky ridges for a couple of hours and reach Tsaile, where we will spend our overnight at a lodge.

Day 5: Ride & trek from Tsaile to Syangboche 3600m via Rachung Cave, 6-7 hours riding
We ride our horses uphill to Ridge canyon and continue our ride on steep terrain to Taklam La Pass (3624m). Relishing the mesmerizing view of Nilgiri Himal (7061m), Yakawa Kang (6482m), and Tilicho Peak (7134m), and Damodar Danda (4975m), we pass several lush forests, water streams, and villages to reach Rachung Cave. From Rachung Cave, we ride for a couple of hours and arrive at Syangboche. Overnight at a lodge.

Day 6: Ride & trek from Syangboche to Drakmar 3820m, 5-6 hours riding
We leave Syangboche for Drakmar with a beautiful panorama of Dhaulagiri ranges behind us. On our way, we come across many monasteries, Chortens, small villages, and lush Himalayan forests. After riding for 5 hours, we reach Drakmar. Overnight at a lodge in Drakmar.

Day 7: Ride & trek from Drakmar to Lo-Manthang 3810m via Ghar Gompa, 6-7 hours riding
Leaving Drakmar, we ascend on a steep trail and pass a couple of lush Himalayan forests of rhododendron. We then ride downhill and then climb a ridge to reach Ghar Gompa. Ghar Gompa is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mustang that is also known as Lo Gyaker which means “Pure virtue of Lo”. From Ghar Gompa, we ride and trek to Marang-La Pass (4230m) which is the gateway to Lo-Manthang and all the way downhill riding until reaching Lo-Manthang. Lo-Manthang is the walled capital of the Kingdom of Mustang and is composed of colorful dessert and rugged houses. Overnight at a lodge in Lo-Manthang.

Day 8: Exploration Day to Chosar village and caves 6-7 hours riding
We take a day exploration on horseback riding and hike up to Chosar village and Jhong Cave which is the largest man-made cave in Upper Mustang. We relish the panorama from Chosar and return back to Lo-Manthang. Overnight at a lodge.

Day 9: Ride & trek from Lo-Manthang to Tsarang 3560m/3-4 hours riding
Riding along a steep sandy trail, we climb Lo-La Pass (3950m) which leads us to Tsarang. We ride our horses along Tsarang Khola and cross an iron bridge over it to reach Tsarang. We then explore Tsarang Palace and monastery. Overnight at a lodge in Tsarang.

Day 10: Ride & trek from Tsarang to Syangboche 3500m/6-7 hours riding
We come across many Mani walls, Chortens, and Buddhist monasteries before reaching Ghami. From Ghami, we climb Ghami-La Pass (3250m) and Nyi-La Pass (3932m) which leads us to Tamagaon. We ride along streams to reach Syangboche. Overnight at a lodge in Syangboche.

Day 11: Ride & trek from Syangboche to Chhusang 2980m, 6-7 hours riding
Riding and climbing Yamdo-La (4010m), we descend down to Bhena. We then ride along streams and pass Samar, then Tsaile. From Tsaile, we follow the flow of Kali Gandaki River and finally reach Chhusang after 7 hours of riding and trekking. Overnight at a lodge in Chhusang.

Day 12: Ride & trek from Chhusang to Jomsom 2720m 5-6 hours riding
On our last day of the horseback riding trek, we move on a rocky trail till we reach Tangbe. We then ride along small streams on a steep trail and pass beautiful small villages. After 6 hours of ride and trek, we reach Jomsom. Overnight at a lodge in Jomsom.

Day 13: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
We fly off to Pokhara with a splendid view of the Himalayas. You can enjoy the day relaxing by the lakeside. Overnight at a hotel in Lakeside, Pokhara.

Day 14: Reserve Day for flight delay/cancellation and an afternoon flight back to Kathmandu
In case of a flight delay on the previous day from Jomsom to Pokhara, we fly back to Pokhara in the morning. Later, we fly back to the capital city in Kathmandu. Feel free to spend your leisure time as you please. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 15: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Morning after breakfast in the hotel, we drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport for your scheduled flight back to home or other destination.

Customize Your Trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de

NOTE: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Grades Explanation

Grade (Easy)

Easy trekking by Himalayan standards is generally up to 2000m. There are plenty of ups and downs on well-maintained trails. This type of trip is best suited for those who lead a reasonably active life. The trek takes about 3 to 7 days, walking about 4 to 5 hours a day.

Grade (Moderate )

This involves longer treks (five to ten days) on maintained trails. This type of trek includes day excursions to higher elevations, for which it's advisable to have some previous hill- walking experience. On these treks, we generally achieve an altitude between 900m to 3000m.

Grade (Moderate to strenuous)

A reasonably demanding trek at an altitude up to 4000m with side trips to higher elevations. The trails are sometimes uncharted and away from inhabited areas.

Grade (Strenuous )

These treks must be fully supported. We climb to altitudes between 3500 and 5000m. & there are overnight stays at altitudes above 4000m. For this trek, trekkers should be fit & enthusiastic hill walkers prepared to tackle difficult terrain in remote areas.

Grade (Very Strenuous)

This trek is best described as Alpine, and suitable is suitable for those in excellent health, capable of carrying a backpack, when required. The trek covers very remote areas, traveling over snow-covered passes at an altitudes of up to 6500m. You will need to axes and crampons. No strenuous trek should be undertaken without medical clearance.